In February, 2008, Knoedler & Company launched their newest initiative: the Knoedler Project Space. The lower gallery, a newly renovated but previously under-utilized space, is being programmed with year-round exhibitions of contemporary artists working in a variety of media. There is a focus on mid-career artists. The program encompasses a range of themes and formats, including both solo and group shows, and there will be collaborations with other curators, galleries and institutions. This initiative is being developed by, and is under the direction of, Marella Consolini, who has worked with contemporary artists in various capacities for over 20 years. A former Knoedler colleague, she has also served as Director of the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, and was most recently Chief of Staff at the Whitney Museum.

The Knoedler Project Space is a unique and creative opportunity for the gallery to contribute even more to the dialogue of contemporary art today. The mission of this project is to support artists with an opportunity to exhibit in the context of Knoedler’s broader program. Our hope is that the exposure will benefit them at a time in their career when it can make a significant difference. The characteristics that identify this program are exploration, nimbleness, experimentation — we can take risks because we have no obligation beyond the single exhibition; without long-term commitment to the artist, we can nurture talent on a smaller, but still meaningful, scale.

A significant aside: beginning in 1908, Knoedler (founded in 1846) began exhibiting artists that they did not represent, including a number whose careers were fostered by this exposure, such as Childe Hassam, Robert Henri, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows and Albert Pinkham Ryder. To revive this tradition now, especially at a time in the market when commercialism seems to trump the intrinsic value of art at every turn, defines our role as a gallery: to support the artists.